Nagel Auktionen

Nagel Auktionen: Stuttgart's Specialist in Asian Art and Antiquities

Nagel Auktionen is a German auction house based in Stuttgart, founded in 1922 by the jeweller Dr. Fritz Nagel. Over its century-long history, Nagel has developed into one of Europe's most respected venues for Asian art, alongside broad programmes in fine art, antiques, jewelry, rugs, and modern design. The house survived a near-closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging under new ownership with a restructured focus and renewed ambition.

A Century of Auctions

Dr. Fritz Nagel established the firm in Stuttgart in 1922, initially focused on jewelry and general antiques. Over the following decades, the house expanded its scope, developing particular expertise in Asian art that would eventually define its international reputation. A turning point came in 2000, when Nagel conducted the auction of the "Tek Sing" cargo—approximately 350,000 pieces of Chinese porcelain recovered from a 19th-century shipwreck. The sale gained international attention and a Guinness World Records entry for its extraordinary scope, firmly placing Nagel on the global map for Asian art.

Tragedy struck in 2004 when owner Robin Straub died unexpectedly. The firm continued under professional management until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic pushed it into insolvency proceedings. The restructuring was led by former specialists Uwe Jourdan and Michael Trautmann, who returned as shareholders, and Robin Straub's three children retained a stake with plans to eventually join the business. The new entity, renamed Nagel Auktionen GmbH, emerged leaner—reducing from six floors to four—but with an expanded team of specialists.

Specialties

Asian art has historically accounted for around two-thirds of Nagel's revenue, covering Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and Indian works including ceramics, bronzes, jades, paintings, and Buddhist sculpture. The house holds three large art, antiques, and jewelry auctions per year, supplemented by two sales of modern and contemporary art, dedicated Asian art auctions, and specialist sales of rugs, carpets, textiles, and Islamic art. Since the 2020 restructuring, the house has also expanded its focus on modern and contemporary art and design.

How It Works

Consignors can submit items for evaluation at Nagel's Stuttgart premises or through their website. Specialists assess and catalogue accepted items, which are then offered in the appropriate specialist sale. Auctions are conducted live with online bidding options. Given Nagel's Asian art specialization, the house attracts an international buyer base, with strong participation from collectors in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Who Should Use Nagel

Nagel is particularly well-suited for sellers of Asian art and antiquities, where its specialist knowledge and established collector network can maximize results. Estates in southern Germany and Switzerland will find a conveniently located, high-quality regional house. Collectors of fine rugs, Islamic art, and textiles will also find dedicated expertise that many larger houses cannot match. Since the restructuring, the house is also worth considering for modern art and design consignments.